Download - Applying for a U.S. Visa
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Applying for a U.S. Visa April 2010
U.S. Embassy, OttawaWhat is a U.S. Visa?Allows the holder to apply for admission to the United States, in a given status, at a port of entryCustoms and Border Patrol officer decides permitted length of stay at port of entryI-94 issued at port of entry includes length of stay
Who needs a Visa?Canadian Permanent ResidentsThird Country NationalsIndividuals possessing Canadian Work or Student PermitsNationals from Visa Waiver Countries do not need a visa if the purpose of their trip is tourism or business 90 days
For Visa Waiver, describe ESTA requirement to register online 72 hours before attempted entry, but not for land border crossings.3Visa CategoriesVisitor (business / tourism)Visa (B-1/B-2)Student Visa (F-1) requires I-20J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) requires DS-2019Temporary Work Permit (H1-B) requires I-129/I-797
Application RequirementsDS-156 and DS-157 (in the near future, the online DS-160 will be required)Currently $131 (U.S. currency) feeRecent color photograph with white backgroundPassport (preferably with at least six months of validity)Canada ExpressPost envelopeDigital fingerprints taken on-siteInterview
Note that fees may be increasing in the future so confirm on web site5Additional Documents for StudentsOfficial transcripts showing grades from completed coursesCertification of enrollmentScholarship or sponsorship letter Proof of other financial support
6Students in the SciencesStudents pursuing independent research in Science based fields should also bring:A current Curriculum Vita (CV) listing all papers and presentationsAn abstract of current researchA letter from academic advisorThe conference invitation if going to attend a conferenceNot everyone gets a VisaRefusals do happenCome prepared with documentsEntering the U.S. for the purpose statedReturning to CanadaStrong ties to CanadaRefusal is not permanent, but time is typically required to establish stronger ties
Demonstrate strong ties8Validity and IssuanceThe length of the Visa variesDifferent visa types Different countriesGenerally the length of valid student status in CanadaReciprocity feesSent by ExpressPost mailAdministrative ProcessingDS-160 Online ApplicationReplaces the following forms:DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa ApplicationDS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa ApplicationDS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant Will be mandatory for Ottawa in the coming months
Only the application form has changed Other parts of the process remain the sameDS-160 Application ProcessCompleting the DS-160Step 1 Accessing the Application
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv
Step 1 Accessing the Application
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv
Read the instructions and press Start Application
Completing the DS-160
Step 2 Choose the Embassy
Choose the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply
Step 2 Choose the Embassy
Choose the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply
Step 2 Choose the Embassy
Choose the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply
Press Test Photo to begin uploading your photo
Completing the DS-160
Step 3 Upload Photo
Browse to your photo and press Upload Selected PhotoCompleting the DS-160Step 3 Upload Photo
Browse to your photo and press Upload Selected PhotoIf your photo meets the quality standards, you can press Continue Using This Photo
Completing the DS-160Step 3 Upload Photo
Browse to your photo and press Upload Selected PhotoIf your photo meets the quality standards, you can press Continue Using This PhotoIf your photo does not pass, press Continue Without A Photo(BRING A PASSPORT PHOTO)
Completing the DS-160Step 4 Complete Form
Complete all questions carefully and accurately.Providing inaccurate information or leaving required items blank will only delay your application
Completing the DS-160
Saving an Application
If you cant finish in one sitting, you can save the application to your hard drive and continue later
Press Save at the bottom of any data entry pageCompleting the DS-160Saving an Application
If you cant finish in one sitting, you can save the application to your hard drive and continue later
Press Save at the bottom of any data entry page
Press Save Application to File
Completing the DS-160Saving an Application
If you cant finish in one sitting, you can save the application to your hard drive and continue later
Press Save at the bottom of any data entry page
Press Save Application to File
Press Save and navigate to the place you want to save your application
Completing the DS-160Tips
If a question doesnt apply to you, you must check the Does Not Apply box
Completing the DS-160Tips
If a question doesnt apply to you, you must check the Does Not Apply box
Answer fully and include as much detail as you can
Completing the DS-160Tips
If a question doesnt apply to you, you must check the Does Not Apply box
Answer fully and include as much detail as you can
Be especially careful with the yes/no questions near the end misrepresenting the facts can result in a permanent ban
Completing the DS-160
Step 5 Reviewing Your Application
You have an opportunity to review and edit all your answers before submitting your application
Check carefully that everything is correct its impossible to make changes later
Completing the DS-160Step 6 Submitting Your Application
Once you submit your application, you cant change it
Pressing Sign and Submit Application constitutes your electronic signature, certifying that all the answers on the application are true
Completing the DS-160
Step 7 Printing Your Confirmation Page
Print the confirmation page
You only need to bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interviewCompleting the DS-160Step 7 Printing Your Confirmation Page
Print the confirmation page
You only need to bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interview
You can print the entire application for your own records if you wish
Completing the DS-160Step 7 Printing Your Confirmation Page
Print the confirmation page
You only need to bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interview
You can print the entire application for your own records if you wish
You can e-mail the confirmation to someone else (e.g., if you are completing the application for another person)
Completing the DS-160Step 7 Printing Your Confirmation Letter (cont)
This is what the confirmation page looks like if your photo was not uploaded
You will need to bring a photo with you to the interview
ReminderThe DS-160 replaces only the application forms. Other items are still required
Students: I-20
Exchange Visitors: DS-2019
Diplomats and Officials: Diplomatic Note
And most applicants still need evidence of ties to their place of residence
Questions?www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/ottawa.aspwww.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/nvars.asp